The Ruger AR-556 Pistol (Model 8574): A Comprehensive Guide for Discerning Shooters

For enthusiasts seeking a compact, high-performance firearm that excels in versatility and reliability, the Ruger AR-556 Pistol stands out. Specifically, the Model 8574, identifiable by its UPC 736676085743, offers a potent combination of the AR platform's adaptability with a more maneuverable pistol configuration. This detailed overview is designed to answer common questions and provide in-depth insights for potential owners, whether you're a seasoned tactical shooter, a new gun owner prioritizing home defense, or someone looking for an ideal "truck gun" or range companion.

What Makes the Ruger AR-556 Pistol a Top Choice?

The Ruger AR-556 Pistol, Model 8574, is engineered for a broad spectrum of applications, from personal protection to recreational shooting. Its design prioritizes ergonomic comfort, dependable performance, and the robust build quality synonymous with Ruger firearms. This particular model comes equipped with a 10.5-inch barrel chambered in the versatile 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington caliber and features the highly regarded SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace, enhancing its utility and handling characteristics.

Who Is the Ruger AR-556 Pistol Designed For?

This firearm is an excellent solution for several types of shooters:

• Home Defense Enthusiasts: Its compact size makes it highly maneuverable in confined spaces, a critical factor for close-quarters home protection. The 5.56 NATO cartridge, while powerful, can be managed effectively, providing a reliable defense tool.
• Tactical Shooters: Whether for training, competition, or general preparedness, the AR-556 Pistol offers the familiar AR platform controls and modularity, allowing for easy customization and skill development.
• Backpackers & Outdoor Adventurers: Its shorter overall length makes it more discreet and easier to transport in a vehicle or backpack, ideal for remote camping or hiking where personal safety is a concern.
• Recreational Shooters: For those who enjoy target practice or plinking, the AR-556 Pistol delivers an engaging shooting experience with the common and affordable 5.56/.223 ammunition.
• First-Time AR Owners: The AR-556 platform is known for its user-friendly design, making it an accessible entry point into the world of modern sporting firearms without overwhelming complexity.

What Problems Does This Compact Firearm Solve?

The Ruger AR-556 Pistol addresses several common challenges faced by shooters:

• Maneuverability in Tight Spaces: Traditional rifles can be cumbersome indoors or when navigating obstacles. The pistol form factor dramatically improves handling.
• Portability and Storage: Its reduced footprint allows for easier transport in vehicles, range bags, or secure storage in smaller safes.
• Legal Compliance (in some contexts): As a pistol, it may bypass certain legal restrictions applied to rifles, depending on local and state laws (always verify your local regulations).
• Versatility of the AR Platform: Enjoy all the benefits of the AR-15 system—vast aftermarket accessory support, familiar controls, and reliable operation—in a more compact package.
• Effective Caliber in a Compact Form: The 5.56 NATO round retains significant ballistic effectiveness even from a 10.5-inch barrel, offering a potent balance of power and manageable recoil.

Deeper Dive into the Ruger AR-556 Pistol's Key Features

The Model 8574 is built upon Ruger's reputation for manufacturing robust and dependable firearms. Each component is chosen for its contribution to the pistol's overall performance and durability.

Barrel and Caliber Performance

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington: This widely available and affordable cartridge offers excellent ballistic characteristics for both defensive and recreational shooting. It's known for its flat trajectory and relatively low recoil, making follow-up shots quicker and more accurate.
• Barrel Length: 10.5 inches: This specific barrel length is a sweet spot for AR pistols. It balances the need for compactness with sufficient velocity for the 5.56 round. While a shorter barrel will have some velocity reduction compared to a 16-inch rifle, modern ammunition designs mitigate this, ensuring effective performance for its intended uses. The barrel is typically cold hammer-forged, providing ultra-precise rifling for exceptional accuracy, longevity, and easy cleaning. The 1:8" right-hand twist rate stabilizes a wide range of bullet weights, from lightweight 40-grain projectiles to heavier 77-grain options, maximizing versatility.

The SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace

A defining feature of the Ruger AR-556 Pistol (UPC 736676085743) is the factory-included SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace. This component is crucial for enhanced shootability and control:

• Ergonomics and Stability: The SBA3 brace is designed to fit snugly against the forearm, providing a stable shooting platform. This significantly improves accuracy and reduces fatigue during extended shooting sessions compared to unbraced pistols.
• Adjustability: The SBA3 typically offers multiple length-of-pull positions, allowing shooters to customize the brace for optimal comfort and control, regardless of arm length or shooting stance.
• Legal Compliance: It maintains the firearm's classification as a pistol under federal law, which is vital for many owners seeking the benefits of a compact AR without navigating NFA regulations for short-barreled rifles (SBRs). Always consult local laws, as state regulations vary.
• Material and Durability: Constructed from durable polymer, the SBA3 is lightweight yet rugged, designed to withstand the rigors of regular use.

Receiver and Construction

The Ruger AR-556 Pistol features a flat-top upper receiver with a Picatinny rail, allowing for easy mounting of optics, lights, and other accessories. The receivers are typically made from aerospace-grade 7075-T6 aluminum, ensuring both lightweight characteristics and exceptional strength. The Type III hard-coat anodized finish provides durability and corrosion resistance. The lower receiver is compatible with standard AR-15 components, offering a vast array of aftermarket customization options.

Fire Control Group and Controls

• Trigger: The mil-spec trigger group offers a consistent pull, making it reliable for defensive situations and enjoyable for target shooting. While it may not be a match-grade trigger, its dependable performance is a hallmark of the AR-556 line.
• Safety Selector: A standard two-position safety selector provides clear indication and engagement, familiar to anyone experienced with the AR platform.
• Magazine Release and Bolt Release: Ergonomically placed and easily manipulated, ensuring quick reloads and efficient malfunction clearing.
• Pistol Grip: Often equipped with a comfortable, ergonomic pistol grip that provides a secure hold and reduces hand fatigue.

Gas System

The AR-556 Pistol utilizes a direct impingement gas system, which is a proven design for the AR platform, contributing to its lightweight nature and simplicity. The gas block is typically low-profile, allowing for a wide range of handguard options.

Maximizing Your Ruger AR-556 Pistol Experience

Owning the Ruger AR-556 Pistol (Model 8574, UPC 736676085743) opens up a world of possibilities for enhancement and practical application.

Essential Accessories and Upgrades

To truly personalize and optimize your AR-556 Pistol, consider these popular additions:

• Optics: A red dot sight is highly recommended for quick target acquisition, especially in close-quarters scenarios. Popular options include those from trusted brands known for their durability and clear reticles. For longer ranges or more precise shooting, a low-power variable optic (LPVO) could also be considered.
• Weapon Light: Critical for home defense or low-light tactical applications. A compact, high-lumen light mounted on the handguard provides illumination and target identification.
• Forward Grip or Hand Stop: To enhance control and mitigate muzzle rise, a hand stop or an angled foregrip can improve ergonomics and shooting stability, adhering to NFA guidelines for pistol configuration.
• Slings: A single-point or two-point sling allows for hands-free carry and rapid deployment.
• Magazines: The pistol comes with one 30-round magazine. Acquiring additional magazines is essential for training, preparedness, and extended range sessions.
• Cleaning Kit: Regular maintenance is key to reliability. A dedicated AR-15 cleaning kit will keep your pistol running smoothly.
• Ammunition: Stock up on quality 5.56 NATO or .223 Remington ammunition for practice and defensive use. Choose appropriate bullet types for your intended application (e.g., full metal jacket for practice, hollow points for defense).

Training and Safety Considerations

Responsible firearm ownership requires ongoing training and strict adherence to safety protocols.

• Fundamentals: Practice marksmanship fundamentals regularly: stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and breath control.
• Weapon Manipulation: Become proficient with reloads, malfunction clearing, and safe handling procedures.
• Situational Awareness: For defensive use, training scenarios that mimic real-world situations can be invaluable.
• Always Follow the Four Rules of Firearm Safety:
  1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
  2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you have made the decision to fire.
  4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
• Secure Storage: Always store your Ruger AR-556 Pistol securely, unloaded, and separate from ammunition, especially if children are present. A quality gun safe is a vital investment.

Why Choose Ruger? A Legacy of Quality and Innovation

Ruger has long been a leading manufacturer in the firearms industry, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. When you choose a Ruger AR-556 Pistol, you're investing in:

• Reliability: Ruger firearms are known for their rugged construction and consistent performance, even under demanding conditions.
• Durability: Built to last, using high-quality materials and manufacturing processes.
• Value: Ruger offers a balance of premium features and accessible pricing, providing excellent value for your investment.
• Customer Support: A strong reputation for customer service and readily available parts and accessories.

The Ruger AR-556 Pistol (Model 8574, UPC 736676085743) epitomizes these values, offering a reliable, versatile, and high-performing firearm solution for a wide range of needs. Whether for personal defense, recreational shooting, or tactical applications, this pistol delivers on Ruger's promise of excellence.

Where to Find Your Ruger AR-556 Pistol

For those ready to experience the compact power and versatility of the Ruger AR-556 Pistol, Model 8574 (UPC 736676085743), it is available at reputable firearms retailers like DEGuns. DEGuns offers a wide selection of firearms and accessories, ensuring you can find the perfect setup for your needs. Always ensure you are purchasing firearms through a licensed dealer and comply with all federal, state, and local laws.

Ruger AR-556 Pistol (Model 8574) Specifications & Details

Feature	Description
Manufacturer	Ruger
Model	AR-556 Pistol
SKU	8574
UPC	736676085743
Caliber	5.56 NATO / .223 Remington
Barrel Length	10.5 inches
Twist Rate	1:8" Right-Hand
Magazines	One 30-Round Detachable PMAG (or similar capacity)
Brace	SB Tactical SBA3 Pistol Stabilizing Brace
Receiver	Hard-Coat Anodized 7075-T6 Aluminum
Gas System	Direct Impingement
Barrel Material	Cold Hammer-Forged Alloy Steel
Finish	Matte Black

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ruger AR-556 Pistol

Question	Answer
Is the Ruger AR-556 Pistol an AR-15?	Yes, it is built on the AR-15 platform, sharing common components and controls, but its compact size and lack of a traditional stock classify it as a pistol under federal law.
What kind of ammunition does it use?	It is chambered for 5.56 NATO, which can safely fire both 5.56 NATO and .223 Remington ammunition.
Is the SBA3 brace considered a stock?	No, under federal law, the SB Tactical SBA3 is classified as a pistol stabilizing brace, designed to be used against the forearm. This classification is crucial for maintaining the firearm's pistol status.
Can I put a vertical foregrip on it?	Adding a vertical foregrip (VFG) to a pistol with an overall length of less than 26 inches (measured from the end of the buffer tube to the end of the muzzle, without a muzzle device if removable) can reclassify it as an "Any Other Weapon" (AOW) under NFA rules, requiring a tax stamp. Most AR pistols like the Ruger AR-556 Pistol will fall under this length, so it is generally advised to use an angled foregrip or hand stop if desired, which are not subject to the same restrictions. Always verify current ATF rulings.
Is this pistol suitable for hunting?	While theoretically capable, its 10.5-inch barrel will result in lower muzzle velocity compared to longer barrels, potentially limiting its effective range for ethical hunting. Always check local hunting regulations.
How often should I clean my AR-556 Pistol?	Regular cleaning after each use or after every few hundred rounds is recommended to maintain optimal performance and reliability. A clean firearm is a reliable firearm.